Disease management is often complicated by the
presence of multiple types of pathogens; in an organic system, it is
appropriate to develop disease control strategies. The available literature so
far reflects that the management of important disease of tomato is through the
integrated approaches and very few organic approaches have been tried with
various degree of success. Boiopriming of seeds with biocontrol agents (
Trichoderma viridae,
Trichoderma harzianum and
Pseudomonas fluorescens) in combination
with different biofertilizers (
Azotobacter,
Azospirillum and PSB) and organic
manures (FYM and vermi-compost) were tested against disease incidence and
health management of tomato seedling under nursery as well as field conditions.
The studies were conducted during two successive years (2012-2013) at farmer’s
field with the objective to combat with the increasing disease incidence of
three major disease damping-off, fusarium wilt and buckeye rot from nursery
stage to the final harvesting. The study focused on the use of biocontrol
agents as the suitable alternative to chemical pesticides with sustainable
disease management without pesticide residues in foodstuff. The bio priming of
seeds with fungal antagonist
Trichoderma
viridae and
harzianum and
bacterial antagonist
Pseudomonas
fluorescens significantly improved the germination behavior of tomato seeds
as compared to untreated control. Highest mean
germination (93.1%) and seedling vigour (953.33) was recorded in
Treatment 3 (FYM @ 200 q/ ha + Azospirillum + PSB +
Trichoderma herzianum (4 kg/ha each) and lowest in control (60.3%)
and (304.83), thus indicating a significant per cent increase in seedling
emergence (54.4%) and seedling vigour (95.23%). A considerable reduction in
disease incidence (pre and post) of damping off was observed in treatment T?
and T? (VC @ 50 q/ha + Azospirillum + PSB +
Trichoderma
herzianum @ (4 kg/ha) with 45.6% and 35.4% respectively). Treatment T?
proved highest in terms of yield (665 Kg/Ha), Hence these diseases can be
managed by successful application of Biocontrol agents.